Wine Talks with Paul K.

Our latest episode of Wine Talks features the discerning Rodolphe Frerejean Taittinger, CEO of French Bloom, and co-founder of Frerejean Frere Champagne. A scintillating conversation that dives into champagne history, non-alcoholic wine innovation, and the passion driving the family's legacy in winemaking. Here are your 3 key takeaways: - 🏰 **Artisanal Legacy**: Discover the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into building a champagne house from the ground up. Rodolphe discusses the importance of terroir and patient aging, drawing parallels between their boutique approach to music – a small jazz band focusing on fine details rather than a full-blown orchestra. - 🚫🍷 **Non-Alcoholic Wave**: Delve into the burgeoning demand for high-quality, alcohol-free beverages. French Bloom is at the forefront, creating a buzz in the traditional wine industry. Listen in to understand how French Bloom preserves the complexity and experience of wine, sans alcohol. - 🌱 **Cultural Roots**: Travel back in time as we explore fascinating vignettes of champagne's role during historical events, including a quirky tale involving bad champagne and resisting the Nazis. Additionally, catch insights on how family histories and long-standing traditions influence the philosophy and flavors of today's wines. 🔗 Tune in to "Wine Talks" for this full-bodied exploration with Rodolphe Frerejean Taittinger and embrace the intricate dance of history, innovation, and the timeless art of winemaking. 🍇 👉 Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast for more grape-talk and industry insights that go beyond your regular wine-tasting notes! #WineTalksPodcast #ChampagneLegacy #NonAlcoholicTrend #WineCulture #WineInnovation #FrenchBloom #WineHistory #WineryBranding #PodcastCommunity #WineLoversUnite

In the latest episode of 'Wine Talks,' host Claude Rouquet is joined by guest Paul K to delve deep into the world of viticulture, exploring the nuanced journey from grape to glass. The conversation opens with a glimpse into Claude’s background, which was not traditionally rooted in the wine industry as his family came from the medical field. However, his early exposure to fine wines cultivated a passion that, along with his wife, led them to pivot their successful careers to pursue their love for wine, something they felt a strong emotional connection to. The tale of revival at Smith Lafitte vineyard weaves its way into the dialogue, showcasing how the once dilapidated property was brought back to life by Florence and Daniel Katiar in 1990. Claude and Paul discuss the pitfalls that heritage Bordeaux chateaus face, including the risk of complacency that can stem from prestigious classifications. This sets the stage for the Katiars' next adventure, which led them to the renowned Napa Valley where they acquired the Flora Springs trilogy estate in 2019. Their unconventional journey, peppered with remarkable experiences such as attending Woodstock, culminates in their significant contribution to the Napa wine industry. The conversation takes a philosophical turn as they address the arbitrary distinction between old world and new world wine processing techniques, emphasizing a universal approach to quality winemaking. Paul K, during his probing interview, inquires about Claude’s present role at a Burgundy house in America, an opportunity that Claude serendipitously landed through a mutual connection. Paul K's show 'Wine Talks with Paul K' is highlighted, celebrating the wide accessibility of the podcast and giving a nod to a previous episode featuring luxury goods connoisseur Yves de Launay. Claude’s wealth of experience across various prestigious wine regions such as Burgundy, Champagne, and Bordeaux comes to light, underscoring his commitment to integrity and his belief that Napa Valley is capable of producing the best wines on the globe. Towards the end of their exchange, Paul poses a thought-provoking question about the popular Napa wine style not being truly indicative of the region. Cathayard Vineyard, where Claude has spent the past 12 years, is intimately described through its winery and vineyards, mimicking the Bordeaux style with its diverse ecosystem and elevation variance. The vineyard’s distinctive wines, such as the Bordeaux blend 'Hora' and a single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, reflect its unique terroir. Cathayard’s wine production, somewhat shrouded in mystery, elicits curiosity about who holds the decisive power in the winemaking process. The episode continues with discussions around the concept of 'terroir,' the geographic and environmental factors that influence wine characteristics, as well as the debate over whether to adhere to traditional methods or embrace a more instinctual, personalized approach to winemaking. The influence of mainstream wines on the reputation of wine regions and the perceived snobbery in wine appreciation are also hot topics. Claude emphasizes the 'wow factor' of Cathayard's wines, which prompts Paul to order two cases of each. The episode concludes with Paul promoting 'Wine Talks' and encouraging listener subscriptions. The winemaking philosophy shared by Claude sums up the episode’s narrative: it’s not about making choices but about doing the right things to create expressive wines. This episode of 'Wine Talks' not only enlightens listeners on the intricacies of the industry but also invites them to develop an appreciation for the deeply rooted traditions and innovative paths that shape the world of wine today.

Welcome back to another episode of Wine Talks! In today’s conversation, we uncork the fascinating story of Vito La Fata, a man whose winemaking roots are as deep and rich as the vineyards of his Sicilian heritage. With the clink of glasses and the pour of a vintage, Vito takes us on a journey through his family's tumultuous history, from wars and the mafia to love, legacy, and pasta factories that have all infused the essence of every bottle they produce. Join us as we unravel the tapestry of stories woven into Vito’s wine philosophy, where every sip echoes a moment, memory, mission, or meaning. Paul K expertly steers the discussion through the importance of terroir and the art of storytelling as Vito passionately shares his vision for not just winemaking but fostering a community and creating profound connections through the power of wine. Get ready to be inspired as we explore the lofty goals of the Winery Academy aimed at nurturing the next generation of winemakers, venture into Vito's encounters with resistance within the industry, and celebrate the pursuit of crafting authentic experiences over financial gain. Don’t miss a minute of this heartfelt episode that bridges the gap between personal growth and viticulture, underscoring the transformative impact of a good story on the wine experience. Pour yourself a glass and let's dive into the world of Vito La Fata on Wine Talks. And don’t forget to subscribe for more tasteful conversations filled with the wisdom of the wine world. Cheers!

George Walker III, a recipient of the Roots Fund scholarship, shares his incredible journey and the impact it has had on his education and career in the wine industry. The Roots Fund, founded in 2020 by Carlton McCoy, Aikimi Dubeau, and Tahir Habibi, aims to provide opportunities for black individuals in the wine industry. George expresses his gratitude for the support he has received from mentors like Matt Nauman and Carlton McCoy, who have helped shape his education and career. George recounts how Matt Nauman, the previous president of Wade Sellers, suggested that he would benefit from working harvest in Burgundy. Taking this advice to heart, George reached out to Carlton McCoy, a master sommelier and the founder of Lawrence Wine Group. To his surprise, Carlton responded and invited George to his home, where they had dinner and discussed the wine industry in Napa. This connection eventually led to George becoming one of the first recipients of the Roots Fund scholarship, allowing him to participate in educational programs and gain valuable experience in the wine industry. George emphasizes the importance of being open and accessible to others who are seeking opportunities in the wine industry, particularly for black individuals. He believes in paying it forward and being a vessel for others, just as he has been supported and mentored by many people throughout his journey. The conversation then shifts to the topic of racism in the wine industry, specifically in Burgundy. George asks Carlton about his experience as a black person in Burgundy, to which Carlton responds that France has never been a place for racism. In fact, France has embraced American talent, including jazz musicians, who found success and acceptance in the country. The discussion then turns to winemaking and the different approaches that winemakers can take. George highlights the diversity and versatility of wine, comparing it to an art form where the same grapes can produce completely different wines in the hands of different winemakers. He appreciates the beauty of wine and the ability to express both the land and oneself through the winemaking process. They then delve into the details of the wines George is currently making. He introduces the 2022 Chenin Blanc, a wine made from 100% organic fruit sourced from the Wilson Family Vineyard in Clarksburg. George explains that his goal with this wine is to pay homage to the history of wine growing in California and bring Chenin Blanc to the forefront. He praises the versatility of Chenin Blanc and its ability to appeal to a wide range of wine drinkers. The conversation continues with a discussion about the 2020 California Cabernet Sauvignon that George is producing. He explains that in a normal year, they would have produced a Napa Cab, but due to the circumstances in Napa, they decided to make a California Appalachian Cab instead. The majority of the grapes for this wine come from the Bedrock Vineyard, with some additional grapes sourced from Mendocino and Paso Robles. George describes the wine as true to type, with a touch of acidity to bring freshness and liveliness to the wine. The conversation then shifts to consumer preferences and the influence of well-known brands in the wine industry. George shares an anecdote about how during the COVID-19 pandemic, customers who typically purchased wines in the $12 to $18 range started buying $100 wines like Austin Hope and Caymus. He acknowledges that there is something for everyone in the wine world and encourages wine drinkers to explore and discover other producers who are doing incredible work. They discuss the importance of educating consumers and introducing them to new wines and styles. George believes that there are amazing producers out there who deserve recognition and appreciation beyond the well-known brands. He emphasizes the need to have fun and explore different wines, stepping outside of one's comfort zone. The conversation concludes with a reflection on the impact of storytelling in the wine industry. George expresses his belief that it's not just about the celebrity status or the marketing, but about what's inside the bottle. He believes that when people taste a wine that expresses something unique and tells a story, they will be compelled to try it again and share their experience with others. Overall, the conversation between George Walker III and Carlton McCoy highlights the importance of mentorship, diversity, and exploration in the wine industry. They discuss the beauty of winemaking as an art form and the ability to express both the land and oneself through the process. They also touch on consumer preferences and the need to educate and introduce wine drinkers to new and exciting wines. It is clear that George is passionate about spreading the gospel of "dope juice" and making a positive impact in the wine world.

He calls himself the Black Wine Guy....but never has been too happy with that name. And Wine Talks gets it. MJ Towler has covered virtually all the bases when traversing the wine industry landscape. He has a rounded viewpoint on all things wine. And his take on the plight of BIPOC in the world of wine is pragmatic and right on.  Having worked the floor at what would be one of the most celebrated wine retailers in America, MJ moved on to wholesale and hospitality. He discovered a knack for articulating difficult wine concepts to the average consumer and found his love of the wine and the microphone to be alluring. He hosts The Black Wine Guy Experience but realizes his show crosses many aspects of the human condition. A rename and regroup is in the works. Have a listen to hear his point of view.

When you have sold some of the most luxurious brands in the world, what does adding Chateau Angelus to the list mean? Actually, it means quite a bit.  Chateau Angelus was awarded Premiere Cru Classee "A" when the Right Bank of Bordeaux began classifications in 1955. This puts the Chateau at the top of the region's rankings, which is a significant achievement. Yves de Launay, who has promoted brands such as Sotheby's, Louis XIII Cognac, LVMH, and Cartier, would seem to be a natural fit for promoting Chateau Angelus. During a recent trip to Los Angeles to taste the latest releases of Chateau Angelus, Wine Talks was on his list of "things to do." It seems that being at the top is just as hard, if not harder, than trying to get to the top. Everyone is trying to knock you off, and any small shift in your stature could be a disaster. It is Yves' job to ensure that this doesn't happen Have a listen.

The Association of African American Vintners started in 2002 with 4 vintners; now there are over 200 members. Thanks largely to the efforts of Angela McCrae and her associates.  Diversity is an important subject in the wine trade. The industry is light on BIPOC and women in the workforce; both labor and executives. But that is all actively changing.   In fact, there is a large event in the Napa Valley at the CIA Napa Copia campus entirely committed to black-owned wineries and black wine industry executives (March 9th and 10th.) Wine Talks will be there. On this podcast, Angela discusses the headwinds that the BIPOC community has faced over the decades of trying to break into the wine industry. Let's face it, the subject of wine is intimidating and has not been an active part of the lifestyle in BIPOC communities.  It takes a committed and passionate soul to bite off such a huge sociological education. Angela is the right person at the right time. Hear her plight here.

In 1988, Paul K Sr. featured a Romanian wine in the Original Wine of the Month Club. The wine was Premiat Sauvignon Blanc and was $2.50/bottle on reorder. It was a very nice wine.  Turns out, according to Marinela, that wine was purchased from Romania during the USSR rule. Long before the value and complexity of freedom was real. It is so interesting that the Original Wine of the Month Club was ahead of its time in 1988...finding a Soviet block wine worthy of the American palate. Now, as she explains, the wine trade is dynamic and changing to a European model. This is a slow and complicated transition.  Despite the headwinds to brand building, exportation, and world wine recognition, Marinela is confident that Romanian wines will find their way to the world wide wine stage. This is a tall order and if you listen carefully, you will here her passion to get it done. Here her here.

Off the main highway that runs through Napa Valley and specifically through Saint Helena, one can make a hard left turn after passing the cute gas station that doubles as a coffee shop (yes, new meaning to the question "leaded?". Make the next right and travel a block or two and you will find a hidden gem of a tasting room. Understated and doubling as an office, Chris Phelps and his son Josh hole up here to create their wine magic. Chris's path to this quaint tasting room/office has taken him all over the world to make wine, not the least of which at Chateau Petrus (perhaps the most expensive wine at release that Bordeaux has to offer). If you add in various other wineries not to mention Inglenook, where he crafted wine for Francis Ford Coppola at the historical Inglenook winery, you have a pedigreed career. Ad Vivum is his brand and he sources grapes from the finest vineyards in the Napa Valley. What is astounding about his wines...he cares not for the trend of over-extracted, fruit-forward clichéd wines of the Napa Valley...he actually gets acid out of grapes grown in this special wine region of the world. Meet the non-conformist, Chris Phelps.   Sometimes an interviewer and an interviewee just sync up...have a listen.

Chateau Lagrange was in Los Angeles. Matthieu Bordes presiding.   On a recent visit to the WIne Talks studios, we caught up with all things Bordeaux.   Matthieu considers it a dream job. Maybe "job" isn't the best adjective. When you love to do something and have the passion to do it every day at the best you can offer, maybe it is no longer a job. This is clearly Mattieu Bordes as the Director Général of the Chateau. Chateau Lagrange is owned by the Japanese conglomerate, Suntory Group, but is left alone to his devices to produce the persona of Chateau Lagrange.  The Chateau earned the accolade of Troisiemme Cru Classé in the 1855 classification. And every time we have a pedigreed Chateau on the show, we learn something new. In this case, the classifications of the 1855 event were given to the Chateau and not necessarily given to the vineyard. Do you think that is unfair....hear what Matthieu has to say! Wrapping up his 4-week tour of the US to taste and inspire consumers about the famed Chateau, Matthieu made his last stop of this exhausting US tour at the Wine Talks studio.

In his new book "Facing the Heat; From my grand mother's kitchen to cooking on the line." Chef Castan has peeks around just about every corner of the chef business. After all, he has worked for some of what would be considered the best restaurants in France to being head Chef at one of the largest hotel chains in America and just about everything in between; including but not limited to an absolute failure with his mexican restaurant in Nice, France. This path is hard and the difficulty for Frederic is no exception. His story stirs all kinds of emotions and demonstrates some of the best of human traits. On a flight, he was engaged in conversation with a young man (who did not know the vocation of whom he was talking to) who answered the proverbial question  "What do you want to do with yourself?" with the unexpected answer, "I want to be a Chef!" ...and the immediate follow-up comment was "I want to have my own TV show, I watch a lot of Food Network" The conversation that followed could be tantamount to a slap in the face by Chef. I don't think Hollywood could have written the ensuing inquisition as Chef pontificated his position.  Cooking is hard; there is no one there to pat you on the back, only someone to yell at you, there is no one there to hold you up as the fatigue grows, only your aching muscles to strain and there is no one there to get you out of bed the next morning to do it all over again. Chef tells it like it is in "Facing the Heat, from my grand mother's kitchen to working the Line." Hear from Chef Frederic Castan.

The Areni Global group is on a mission. They want to protect the flanks of fine wine. What is fine wine? Pauline Vicard defines it here. Areni Global was named after the famed Areni-1 cave found in Aremia; the oldest known in-tact winery ever unearthed. The founding of the group was to create a think tank of industry leaders who, well, maybe not predict the future, but consider the future of wine wine on a world wide basis. There are so many moving parts in producing wine and getting it to market that the a need for a focused and organized approach to managing the information coming out of the industry.  Pauline has the passion, and that is what it takes to make this work. You will here in her presentation of the mission statement of Areni Global the intensity and ambition it takes to move the needle in the wine trade. She is coming back on the show in a few months to continue to monitor the changes that are rapidly changing the landscape of wine.    

Michael Higgins is quite unique in the world of wine. He has published three photo journals on three popular wine-growing regions of the world. Starting in Argentina, he sets out to bring to the readers a comprehensive view of the region, people and wineries. But he adds an important twist to his books. He explains where, who and what each winery is; what to look for there, where to eat, and provides amazing photos to support his viewpoints. These are not your regular travel books.  Since he published the book on Argentina, he has exposed the famed district of Bordeaux, France and rolling hills of the Central Coast of California. Soon to publish is the book on Mexicos wine country and soon after, his take on the Greek wine culture.  Frankly, anyone that travels to any of the destinations in his books, must take it along; but there is more...you can buy the digital version and have it at your fingertips while in the wine countryside of your choosing (better than lugging around a 100 page volume). Wine Talks caught up with Dr. Michael in-between tours of Mexico and Greece. You will raise an eyebrow to what you hear.   PK

Paul McSharry wasn't originally destined for the wine business, he had other plans. Let's face it, Ireland is not necessarily the hotbed of the wine culture.   Life has a way of redirecting our focus and Paul has bitten off an idea that seems to be resonating with want to be winemakers and curiosity seekers all the same. Because of the expense and the bureaucratic headwinds that clog up the wine trade, it is virtually impossible or too expensive to venture into it alone. One mistake, and. you will make one, can wipe out any dream you had of breaking even. But at the same time, you still have this hankering to know more and get your hands dirty to see if the wine lifestyle is for you. Enter Paul McSharry and the Osiris Wine Club...though "wine club" traditionally means something a bit different than the way Paul is using it, this new definition effectively makes you part of a wine-making team; a club as it were. Have a listen to get all the details and how you can test your palate and skills.

The Smithsonian Institute wanted to know about Jerry Eisterhold. So much so, the featured an article on what one might say is a long shot at best. The idea to repropagate vines of yesteryear in America would be fruitless (pun intended). But it is quite the opposite.  In this episode, you will hear the history of wine grapes in America that I would easily put down even money that the most advanced academics in the world of wine would not have a notion of the significance. It was so intriguing, that Wine Talks immediately purchased a sampling of the wines and bought the book recited in the show.  Jerry Eisterhold took it upon himself to scour the United States grape nurseries and study the history of wine grapes in America to a point where he has reintroduced a dozen indigenous grape varieties back into the soil. And then comes the fun part... Making wine from these new varietals with all the moving parts that go into making wine without any of the experience of any predecessor is proving to be a task of geometric proportions. Have a listen and hear the answers to all these headwinds.   PK